Little goodies

Is Manuka honey really a secret beauty ingredient?

Manuka honey has a reputation as being something of a superfood - for both your wellbeing and your face. Labelled the "healing honey," it's long been used by Maori people in New Zealand as a remedy for wounds.

For what it's worth, it counts the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow (manuka honey is definitely Goop approved) and Novak Djokovic as fans, and can be used in a range of ways - from using it topically on cuts and wounds, adding it to a tea to create a tonic, or as a treatment for spots. It's important to note however that manuka honey has a grading system for its potency, including sterile honey for topical use.

Manuka honey is one of those natural ingredients with a reputation as being something of a superfood - for both your wellbeing and your face.

Recent studies have found that it can zap superbugs like Golden Staph. It also works against other bacteria, can help balance the digestive system, and has antioxidants for boosting immunity. Research from the dentistry school at the University of Otago in New Zealand says that chewing on a Manuka honey product can help to reduce plaque and aid bleeding gums.

Other uses for it include as a sleep aid when adding a teaspoon of it to a glass of milk (and don't we all know the importance of sleep to our health and wellbeing?).

Manuka honey is a key ingredient in some beauty products, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and active properties. It gets marks for helping to smooth out congestion, repairing damage and hydrating the skin.